Ofcom investigates phone-in scandal

Some channels may be abusing public's trust, says watchdog

BBC's Saturday Morning Kitchen was accused of asking people to phone in to a pre-recorded show

Ofcom has launched an investigation into whether the UK's TV stations are ignoring the regulations on phone-in competitions.

The BBC , ITV , Channel 4 and Five have all taken shows off the air due to concerns that premium rate phone-ins are being used to generate excess revenue from the public. Ofcom is concerned that the different channels have not been complying with phone-in guidelines and regulations.

Working closely with regulator ICSTIS - who is already investigating individual cases - Ofcom has said it will be looking at a number of key areas:

If consumers are being properly protected from 'rip off' charges

Public attitudes towards premium rate phone-ins on TV

The benefits and risks to broadcasters

The editorial responsibilities of broadcasters, producers and telecoms network operators involved in running the phone-ins

And how effective the stations and phone operator's internal rules are at complying with the guidelines already established by Ofcom

Talking about the reasons why Ofcom is now becoming involved, chief executive Ed Richards said: "Widespread concern about the use of premium rate telephone lines by broadcasters, and editorial standards in those programmes, has raised serious questions about trust between broadcasters and viewers."

Earlier this month, ITV halted all its phone-in competitions as it began an independent investigation by auditor Deloitte. Since then, a number of its phone-ins have returned to air, but the channel's phone-in-centred station, ITV Play, has been closed.

The BBC was accused of putting out a pre-recorded version of Saturday Morning Kitchen, while still encouraging people to phone in.